By Rick Pedone
Sports Editor

David Ortiz is just what Florida Christian College mens basketball coach Jake Deer is looking for: a tough, hard-nosed player with scoring ability.

“Number one, we look for toughness, and we know he got that from Coach Mac’s (Tim McMullen) program here,” Deer said recently at St. Cloud High, where he watched Ortiz sign a scholarship to his program.

Ortiz, 6-2, teamed with James Boone and Jens Soto to form a potent backcourt that helped the Bulldogs to one of their best seasons under McMullen.

Ortiz averaged 12 points and three assists per game and has the ability to score from outside, or to drive to the basket.

“I probably like to slash to the basket the best, that way you have the option of pulling up and going outside if you need to,” Ortiz said after a large group of teammates and faculty applauded during his signing ceremony.

McMullen said Ortiz is the 21st of his players to join the college ranks, and 26th overall at St. Cloud, over the past 25 years.

“I’m excited about David having this opportunity, and I’m especially excited because I know he’s going to a great building program under Coach Deer, and also because he’s only going to be six miles down the road, so I’ll have a chance to see him play,” McMullen said.

McMullen was Deer’s assistant while taking a break from the St. Cloud High program two seasons ago, and the two built a good relationship.

“We’re losing our second-team all-conference No. 2 (shooting guard), so David will have an opportunity to contribute right away,” Deer said. “He’ll play No. 2, and maybe some No. 3 (small forward) for us, depending on the situation. A lot of the teams in our conference go with three-guard lineups, a lot like Coach Mac does at St. Cloud.”

Ortiz said playing at Florida Christian, which is on Bill Beck Boulevard near Boggy Creek Road, will allow him to stay close to home.

“That was important, staying close to my family,” he said. “This way, they’ll be able to see me play.”

Deer also added Central Florida Christian Academy’s Jose Burgos to his roster.

Florida Christian College plays in the South Region of the National Christian College Athletic Association. The Suns were 13-15 last season.